Global Tech Panel

Launched by High Representative Mogherini, the #GlobalTechPanel brings together leaders from the tech industry, the world of investment, and civil society. The aim of the Global Tech Panel is to foster new types of cooperation between diplomacy and technology to address challenges and threats but also to make innovation a true force for good in an increasingly more complex and connected world.

The Global Tech Panel – an initiative of EU High Representative Mogherini bringing together leaders from the worlds of technology, civil society and diplomacy to address global challenges – is set to move forward with initiatives to boost digital jobs and skills for human development, including a pilot project in North Africa.

The use of force must always abide by international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law, and this fully applies to autonomous weapons systems. States – and human beings – remain responsible and accountable for their behaviour in an armed conflict, even if it involves the use of autonomous weapons.

How governments should manage the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure we harness the opportunities while also addressing the threats of the digital era is one of the major strands of open debate the EU has initiated together with tech leaders.

Exploring how Artificial Intelligence can deliver for human advancement and international peace is a key pillar of the work of the Global Tech Panel. A top and hot priority is to help develop and implement the principles of ethical and responsible innovation to govern the development of technologies used in weapons systems, and to ensure accountability and compliance with international law.

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini met on 17 October with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to discuss the shared engagement and joint work of the EU and the Foundation in support of human development in Africa in particular, including by accelerating digital development. The EU and Mr. Gates also signed an agreement to create a joint fund to invest €100 million in European companies working to stop climate change.

The EU and its Member States are the world’s leading providers of development assistance – including in the field of connectivity. The Global Tech Panel, chaired by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and bringing together leaders from the tech industry, the world of investment, and civil society, is working to combine the Panel members' insights, influence, networks and resources for concrete projects to advance human development and harnessing tech for all.